President Lee Jae-myung hosted a gala dinner for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders in Gyeongju on October 31, calling for regional peace and shared prosperity. Around 400 guests, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended the event emceed by singer Cha Eun-woo and featuring a performance by K-pop star G-Dragon. The dinner highlighted harmony through respect for diverse cultures.
The APEC 2025 summit gala dinner took place in Gyeongju on the evening of October 31, hosted by President Lee Jae-myung. Around 400 guests attended, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, other heads of state and their spouses, representatives from international organizations, and global business leaders.
In his speech, President Lee described Gyeongju as "a city where tradition and modern industry coexist, from royal crowns and the Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory to steelmaking and shipbuilding." He added, "Its spirit of harmony embodies APEC's vision of shared prosperity through respect for diverse cultures."
Lee introduced the legend of Manpasikjeok, a mythical bamboo flute believed to calm turmoil and bring peace, expressing confidence that its "beautiful harmony will resonate across the region, bringing peace, stability and prosperity."
Proposing a toast "to APEC's cooperation, success and our shared future," he raised a glass of Tiger Yuzu Makgeolli, a Korean traditional raw rice wine flavored with citron. The menu featured dishes with local ingredients, such as bibimbap and braised short ribs, alongside Western-style desserts, all designed by celebrity chef Edward Lee.
Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo, a member of K-pop boy band Astro currently serving his mandatory military duty as an Army private first class in a defense ministry band since July, emceed the event. K-pop star G-Dragon, an honorary ambassador for the APEC summit, delivered a special performance.